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MILWAUKEE (1/11/2013) - A new report recently released by Safe Kids Worldwide and SANUS, manufacturer of audio visual interior furnishings, revealed every three weeks a child dies from a television tipping over, and nearly 13,000 more children are injured each year in the U.S. This represents a 31 percent increase in TV tip-over related injuries throughout the last ten years.
The results of the report, A Report to the Nation on Home Safety: The Dangers of TV Tip-Overs, include data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and new findings from Safe Kids Worldwide primary research. According to the CPSC, from 2000-2010, on average, a child dies every three weeks.
The report shows young children are at greatest risk of TV tip-overs. According to the research, 7 out of 10 children injured by TV tip-overs are 5 years old or younger. This age group also accounts for 9 out of 10 serious injuries requiring hospitalization, including head injuries, which are among the most severe.
"Every 45 minutes, or less than the length of a Sesame Street episode, a child visits the ER because of a TV tipping over," said Lisa Klindt Simpson, coordinator, Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin.
Many TV tip-overs are a result of unsteady TVs that are not secured to the wall. Flat screen TVs that are top-heavy with narrow bases can be easily pulled off an entertainment center or table. Large and heavy old-style cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs placed on dressers or high furniture can also tip over if children climb the drawers to reach a remote control or anything else that attracts their attention.
The report also revealed 3 out of 4 parents don't secure their TVs to the wall. Most families are unaware that securing a TV is an important safety measure. Others decide not to mount their TVs because of concerns about damaging the wall or installing the TV incorrectly.
"You wouldn't think to bring a baby home from the hospital without a car seat or have your child ride a bike without a helmet," said Klindt Simpson. "Similarly, securing your TV will go a long way in protecting your family."
Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin are calling on families to conduct a quick TV safety check, which includes the following steps:
Check your TV. Assess the stability of the TVs in your home. Remember, a curious, determined child can topple a TV. Children playing with friends or pets could knock a TV over, while other kids might be tempted to climb up to reach items placed on or near a TV.
Secure your TV. Securing your TV to the wall is a safe solution. Much like child proofing with a toddler gate or electrical socket cover, TV mounts and furniture straps are necessary precautions for keeping your family safe.
Go to www.safekids.org to learn more.
A member of Safe Kids Worldwide, Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin works to prevent accidental injuries, the leading cause of death among children age 14 and younger. The four-county (Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, Waukesha) coalition combines the expertise of community agencies and individuals to prevent childhood injuries through collaboration, education, policy and advocacy initiatives. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is its lead agency.
About Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is the region's only independent health care system dedicated solely to the health and well-being of children. The hospital, with locations in Milwaukee and Neenah, Wis., is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. Children's Hospital provides primary care, specialty care, urgent care, emergency care, community health services, foster and adoption services, child and family counseling, child advocacy services and family resource centers. In 2011, Children's Hospital invested more than $100 million in the community to improve the health status of children through medical care, advocacy, education and pediatric medical research. Children's Hospital achieves its mission in part through donations from individuals, corporations and foundations and is proud to be a Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. For more information, visit the website at chw.org.
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